Picnic at the Brickworks today.

Any other CH'ers attend?? It was great. Hubby and I just got home and we're stuffed. What a fabulous way to spend a beautiful day outside...eating, drinking and chatting with some of the top chefs in T.O. It was a really great day. Scaramouche, Globe, JKWB, Cowbell, George, Cava, Starfish, Auberge du Pommier...they were all there. We're you?? What was your favourite?? Mine was a toss up between the mushroom cappacino soup from Auberge and the chicken liver mousse from a new caterer, Alex Tso. Oh and the beef roll from Veritas, which has been moved to the top of my must try list. Some great local wineries also represented, Cave Spring, Closson Chase, Vineland Estates.

It sounds like we missed a wonderful time. As a student, I must amit that I was hesitant to spend the $75. What did the initial price include, and was it worth it? Even more surprising, to me, was the fact that it sold out well before the event.

I talked to Paul DeCampo about that yesterday, saying it was good value and they'd probably be able to get more money for it next year. He thought it would be a better idea to get more sponsorship and make it more accessible. It was a pretty awesome event.

Great as long as 'more accessible' doesn't mean larger crowds. I was concerned that it would be too crowded but I think capping it at 800 was just the right amount of people. And I take it this is confirmed to be an annual event?? Yipee....can't wait 'til next year!!!

Lowering the cost...wow that would surprise me. I was very happy to pay the $75. Given the quality and quantity of wine and food I sampled yesterday, it was a bargain! If anything, I think they should keep the price as is and give to charity if they don't already do so. Again, my fear is that sometimes these festival type events get so big they tend to lose their charm, IMO. I hate crowds, esp. crowds lined up for food.

i don't think that there was really any implication that they would try to expand the event and have a larger crowd.

if anything, and one of the things that local toronto food events is most commented about, is that they need to be more accessible to people at various economic levels. the point is to teach and spread the word, not make it elitest via cost.

i think it's fantastic he's looking into lowering the cost as it may help open some other peoples eyes into the value of local and supporting it more fervently.

we went and were STUFFED for the majority of the day. i loved the chicken liver too, but found the portion too large (i think i just have a thing about that much rich food).LOVED the soup from auberge - definitely one of my favourites. also loved the pork from Cava, and Ezra's yummins from Chez Vous. There should be better biking and walking instructions for those trying to meet the request not to drive - heard a number of complaints of people ending up on paths overlooking the venue with no way to get down, other people who had walked kind of sliding down the hill into the parkinglot !! haha...anyway, we had a great time, and would definitely recommend it for next year. did anyone stay til near the end? did the food run out, as it has in other similar events? looked like there was LOTS to be had...

We left around 3:45 and it seemed to be dying down, some tables were beginning to pack it in which was fine because it seemed like everyone had their fare share. Yes, Ezra's nibbly was wonderful....he did the polenta beef thing on a wooden board, right?? Have you ever had any of his catering?? I've never heard of him until yesterday. I wish they had supplied us with a map and a list of who did what. So much food, it was hard to recall...maybe next year they will provide one. Also loved the beet and goat cheese parcel from Corner House....sublime! What about the sandwich thing the Drake did, way to messy. I don't think they thought that one through enough. As far as directions it was not a problem for us, we take our dog to The Dogpatch there on a regular basis so we are familiar. But you're right, our friends got lost on their bikes and they were pretty exhausted by the time they found the place.

I am visiting Toronto and was so fortunate to have friends that took me to this event. I loved it - such a range of wonderful food that I would never find where I live - you Torontonians are so lucky! Loved the beef on polenta, the sausages...actually there was nothing I didn't like.

Welcome to Toronto Athena....sounds like you have great friends here!!! Glad you enjoyed the Picnic. The beef on polenta are the yummies mentioned above from Ezra at Chez Vous. A few restos were doing sausage but I particularly liked Cowbell's in the mini buns. Have you had a chance to try any of our restaurants yet? Mind you, with the line up on Sunday you've pretty much hit all the hot spots.

It was an awesome spectacular event!!!! Well worth every penny of the $75. I'm hoping they don't change a thing I would hate the see this event turn into a "Taste of the Danforth" type event with huge crowds and ridiculous line ups.